The crass decision of SDLP MLAs to oppose the Programme for Government in direct opposition to their own Minister will do the party no favours.
The public easily see through such a cynical gesture. SDLP voters want responsible leadership, not merely running away and hiding from challenges.
This is, after all, the form of Government that the SDLP more than anyone else are responsible for crafting, indeed that my colleagues and I have spent the last ten years seeking to remedy. It is all too obvious that the system was fine for the SDLP when it was a more significant player, but now that Ministerial accountability and Executive authority have been enshrined, they aren't so predisposed.
In the days of the old Belfast Agreement, the DUP frequently opposed actions taken by the Executive but crucially opposed the entire existence of the Government and were not a component part of it.
Unlike the SDLP, the DUP was not opposing a Government we were the architects of, and serving within. On a more positive note though, it is encouraging that other parties are now accepting what we have always argued, that a mandatory coalition can never be anything other than a transitional measure.
I trust broad support can now be found for a more appropriate form of government at the earliest opportunity. The Alliance Party seem to have become so fixated with opposition that they are now practising opposition for opposition's sake, dismissing absolutely everything no matter how positive for the Province.
Unlike previous Programmes for Government, the document produced this week is clear and concise, written intentionally in more accessible language.
It is a political document setting out the Executive's strategic plan rather than, as before, simply throwing together everything each Minister wanted included. It is tightly focused with clear objectives and measurable targets.
Previous Programmes for Government were vague and unfocused with few action points. This time, there is a raft of radical new proposals and each of the Ministers must now prove they are up to the challenges in their Departments.
After some criticisms that the draft PfG did not seek to do enough to address division in the Province, all references to a 'better' future have been replaced by a 'shared and better' future and a commitment added to "bring forward a programme of cohesion and integration for this shared and better future to address the divisions within our society and achieve measurable reductions in sectarianism, racism and hate crime".
Parties who not that long ago were arguing that Northern Ireland was a failed political entity, are now putting their shoulder to the wheel to bolster Northern Ireland and make it a better place for everyone who lives here. Those who said we couldn't deliver on devolution have been silenced, and with every household £1,000 better off now, there are few hankering after the days of Direct Rule.
There can be few stronger indications of the cementing of partition than an agreed Programme for Government, Budget and Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland.
Growing the economy will be the Executive's top priority. It is wise to have the foundations right rather than be extravagant with public spending. The Programme for Government states: "Our over-arching aim is to build a peaceful, fair and prosperous society in Northern Ireland, with respect for the rule of law."
£90 million is being devoted to economic innovation projects aimed at stimulating innovation and entrepreneurship and supporting research and development.
It will assist further education in meeting the needs of local businesses.
We must ensure people have the right skills to deliver economic prosperity and in particular increase the number of people studying STEM subjects. Our young people must be educated to the highest possible standards.
Economic growth will also be encouraged through investment in our key infrastructure, developing the public road and rail network and ensuring modern efficient public transport.
The PfG contains commitments to improve Northern Ireland's manufacturing and private services productivity, increase employment levels and reduce economic inactivity. Agri-food businesses and rural SMEs will also be assisted, as will the tourism sector to facilitate growth in business and leisure visitors.
While encouraging the private sector is key, public services are not ignored. I welcome particularly the extra resources devoted to mental health. The recommendations of the Bamford Review must be implemented, and it is essential that this allocation to mental health will not be diverted elsewhere. This is something I will continue to pursue in coming months.